Obituary

Doctor Lorraine Ann Burgess Gibson was born in Manhattan, New York on September 7, 1943. She peacefully departed for her Heavenly home on Sunday< February 24, 2019.

Lorraine was the daughter of the late Marotha and Gussie Burgess. She was the seventh of eleven children born into this loving family. Lorraine was joined in Holy Matrimony with Ronald Henry Gibson and from this union were born their three children Alicia, Stephen and Jabez. Educated in New York City, Lorraine attended public schools and graduated from the High School of Commerce in June 1960. Throughout her life of spiritual awakening, she continued her studies at Bethel Bible Tabernacle and the Bethel Institute where she earned many degrees in theology. Lorraine received her Doctorate Degree of Divinity from Trinity College of Ministerial Arts in Nigeria, West Africa. Her religious journey started at Mount Olivet Baptist Church in New York where she was baptized and received her religious foundation. Ronald and Lorraine worshipped at Bethel Gospel Tabernacle in Queens, New York. Lorraine attend the Tabernacle of Faith in Freeport, Long Island. From 1976- 2003, Lorraine lived a life of service and growth within her church community. Her life work was teaching and learning the Word of God, providing spiritual guidance and support to both children and adults as she connected and provided services to the community. From the classroom to the pulpit, Lorraine ministered and grew in her faith and devotion to sharing the Holy Word. During 1997-2006, Lorraine participated in the sponsorship of the Tabernacle of Faith to build the Trinity College of Ministerial Arts in Nigeria, Africa. Her Ministry carried her to Ghana as well, where she worked to share her faith and wisdom. During 2006-2012, Loraine worked at the Sword of the Spirit Theological Seminary in Freeport, New York continuing her commitment to her faith. Her devotion to serve led her to start the Zion Restoration Ministries during evenings at her home. There she ministered in faith and led support groups. She provided community outreach for initiatives such as Toys for Tots and visitation to local jails to offer spiritual support and guidance to inmates. In addition to all else, during 2003-2012, Loraine worked in collaboration with her daughter Alicia at Auntie Lesha's Play Pen. This daycare was a haven for children and families in need of support. Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents, Marotha and Gussie Burgess and her siblings Dorothy Burgess, Gloria O'Brien, Morgan Burgess, Ralph Burgess and Michael Burgess. Left to cherish her memories are children: Alicia Gibson of New York, Stephen Gibson (Tanya) of New York, and Jabez Gibson of Tennessee; ten grand-children: Timothy, Winton, Aaron, Stephen, Jabori, Marquis, Brianna, Jordan, Gavin and Gabriel; two great- grands; Messiah and Kinsley. Siblings: Marotha Pasha of Tacoma, Washington, Ronald Burgess (Gale) of Greensboro, NC, George Burgess (Michelle) of Westbury, NY and Sandra Burgess of Quebec, Canada; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Lorraine is at Peace, knowing she gave her life in service to spreading the Good News.